A Pathway to Breakthrough

I want to talk to you about something powerful today: the significance of fasting. If you’re looking for a central passage, we’ll land in Acts 2, but the truth is—we’re going to run all over Scripture today because fasting has been a spiritual discipline woven through the entire story of God’s people.

The First Fast: Moses Sets the Bar

The first time fasting shows up in Scripture? Moses. When he went up Mount Sinai to be with God, he fasted 40 days—no food or water. That’s extreme. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by examples like that. Who could possibly live up to that? But the point isn’t comparison—it’s consecration.

Fasting, from the beginning, was a response to being in the presence of God. Throughout the Old and New Testament, we see corporate fasts, personal fasts, three-day fasts, 21-day fasts, full fasts, partial fasts, fasts for repentance, for deliverance, for direction, and for revival.

It was a normal part of the lives of people who were pursuing God.

Why Fast?

Because fasting creates space. Space to connect. Space to hear. Space to surrender. Jesus didn’t fast to get God’s attention—He fasted to give God His attention. Even in the Jewish world during Jesus’ time, fasting was significant. The Jewish people observed five major fasts each year. The Pharisees fasted twice a week. And Jesus? He began His public ministry with 40 days of fasting.

When questioned in Matthew 9 about why His disciples weren’t fasting, Jesus replied: “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.”

That time is now.

Presence Isn’t the Same as Connection

Just like a couple can be in the same room and not be connected, we can be in God’s presence and still miss Him. Fasting is like putting the phone down, turning the TV off, and saying: “God, I’m here. Let’s talk.” It’s choosing to lay something down to lean into someone greater. Fasting isn’t about legalism or manipulation. It’s about love.

At The Gathering, We Fast Because We’re Hungry

I had someone tell me recently, “I feel like I’ve fasted more since I started coming to The Gathering than I have my whole life.” That’s amazing. That’s maturity. That’s hunger. Just like an athlete gives up certain foods to perform at their best, a believer lays down good things to pursue God things. Pastor Lauryn put it this way:

"The Gathering is a church in this region that has postured itself before the feet of Jesus. We are more consumed with being with God than doing things for God. Everything we do will be in response to time spent with Him. We won’t be known for buildings, ministries, or speakers—we will be known for carrying the heart and hand of God. When people need mountains moved, they will come here and encounter the power of God."

That’s the kind of house we want to be.

Acts 2: A Picture of Outpouring

Peter stands up and says:

“In the last days, God declares, I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh...”

Young and old. Male and female. Rich and poor. And what happens? 3,000 people are saved. But what came first? Much prayer and fasting. Jesus told His followers to wait and pray. 120 obeyed. Out of that obedience, God poured out His Spirit. The church was born through prayer and fasting. It still moves forward the same way.

Revival Follows Hunger

Throughout American history:

• The First Great Awakening (1730s)

• The Second Great Awakening (1800s)

• Azusa Street (1906)

• Brownsville (1995)

Every revival was birthed through much prayer and fasting. These weren’t casual Christians. These were hungry people who sacrificed comfort for consecration.

What Should I Fast?

The real question isn’t if you should fast—it’s what you should fast. Ask the Holy Spirit. He will tell you. And then, trust that He will empower you to obey. You don’t fast to earn something from God. You fast to make space to receive what He’s already given.

Philippians 2:13 – "For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure."

Fasting isn’t a magic formula. It’s a relational invitation.

Three Things to Pray For During Our 21-Day Fast

1. Personal Renewal – Ask God to move in your own heart first.

2. Outpouring of the Spirit – Ask God to move in power in our services and in your life.

3. Salvation for Others – Ask God to draw many to Himself in September.

Final Thought: Don’t Wait for the Crisis

You don’t train for battle once the war has started. Fasting prepares you before the battle hits.

When Jesus cast out the demon in Mark 9, He said:

“This kind can only come out by much prayer and fasting.”

Jesus didn’t need to fast in that moment—He had fasted before that moment. Fasting strengthens your spirit for what lies ahead. So join us. August 10–30. Ask the Lord what to fast. And let’s go after His presence together. Not for hype. Not for show. But because we’re hungry.